I’m wondering if anyone could point me to good sources of info about the reality of raising cash for a business launch. I’m more thinking about how to model the paying back of the money through revenue and standard loan terms.

I have an idea which would need circa 200k capex and about 100k opex until break even point was reached.

Happily it would get me out of London. I’m thinking on a two year time scale to get to launch.

What the idea is not important, I’m just really keen to hear about people’s experiences of gettin g cash and paying it back or negotiating equity etc.

Poiu – I am not the OP, but I would be really keen to speak to you about this investment business. If you see this, would you mind sending me an email please? I promise not to take up too much of your time, i just have a few questions. Thanks, Jon

OP – is your business novel? If so you could check out the TSB SMART scheme which allows you to progress from market study all the way through to prototype production. TSB Innovation vouchers could also help in the short term although they will just provide £5k for someone else to do some R&D for you.

There are numerous angel groups around the country although you have to pay to pitch to most. Also check your local university as many have funding to help businesses get off the ground, they do the work and you get the benefit. Think about patent protection if it is novel.

Some great pointers there – thanks everyone. I’m just at the start of this process, so probably a little early to share anything about the idea. However, it is novel – or at least it is a novel combination of two existing businesses/products/services that are growing strongly.